$66M Kinkade estate dispute secretly settled

Share this story

In this Sept. 15, 2006 file photo, artist Thomas Kinkade unveils his painting, "Prayer For Peace," at the opening of the exhibit "From Abraham to Jesus." (AP Photo/Gene Blythe, File)

SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) — After a rancorous public showdown, a secret settlement has been reached in the dispute between Thomas Kinkade's widow and girlfriend over the late artist's multi-million-dollar estate.

The San Jose Mercury News reports Wednesday that it's unclear who will inherit Kinkade's Monte Serrano mansion and his warehouse of paintings.

The dispute between his widow Nanette Kinkade and girlfriend Amy Pinto erupted after the 54-year-old artist's death in April.

In a statement, lawyers say the women kept the artist's message of "love, spirituality and optimism" in their amicable resolution.

Pinto began dating Kinkade six months after his marriage of 28 years imploded. The Kinkades were legally separated when he died.

Pinto later produced two disputed handwritten wills that said Kinkade would leave her $10 million and his home.